LISBON (Portugal): On behalf of every member of the AlgoDyne Green Power Racing and X-raid team, I would like to express my support for the unfortunate cancellation of the 2008 Euromilhoes Dakar Rally. The organising team at the Amaury Sports Organisation (ASO) had to make a very difficult decision, but we must all respect the fact that this was done on the grounds of security and safety for everyone involved.

We must not look at this decision in financial terms, but must always put the safety of our drivers and team members first. I have been in close contact with members of the ASO over the last week, since it became apparent that there had been an incident involving several French tourists in Mauritania, and there was also a chance that the event would be cancelled.

I feel particularly sorry for the people of the countries which we were to visit in Africa, who rely on the income that the Dakar Rally brings on an annual basis to often deprived and remote regions. We must also accept that this was not a decision made solely by the ASO. It was made after detailed negotiations with the governments of France, Spain, Germany and Mauritania.

The organisers had looked long and hard at options available to them this year in the event of this occurring. But, even if the event had run as far as Smara in southern Morocco, we understand that the section between Erfoud and Ouarzazate in Morocco would have needed to be shortened because of heavy rain and a special stage in Portugal needed to be cancelled.

Everyone within the AlgoDyne Green Power Racing Team has accepted this unfortunate decision and I would like to offer my best wishes to the management team at the ASO and wish them luck in finding a challenging and safe route for the Dakar Rally in 2009.